Consolation & Desolation In The News

Having just finished The Hour I First Believed, a book on the aftemath of Columbine, I am all the more speechless at the killings in Binghamton today. The 14 deaths, the other physical injuries, the PTSD that will afflict survivors -- some for a long, long time -- it is all beyond words.<br /><br />Meanwhile in Fargo, ND, faced with a certain disaster, volunteers flooded in ahead of the water to make and stack 3 million sandbags!! It takes four people to do one sandbag. The spirit of common concern, the self-giving, the for-otherness -- again it is beyond words.<br /><br />Such words as grace and salvation must pertain to these things. Some quality of mercy, some moment so of mutuality to overcome the lethal power of alienation -- grace must flow into the lives and deaths in some salving/healing way. Else I do not know how life is livable. Life is livable even in the face of horrors. That is to me perhaps the most mysterious gift.

Consolation & Desolation In The News

Having just finished The Hour I First Believed, a book on the aftemath of Columbine, I am all the more speechless at the killings in Bingham...

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Day 149 (Thursday 4/3)

Hey everyone! Sorry for my lack of post last night. I needed all the time I could get with DH. I am leaving today (Friday) at 2pm and won't be home till late Sunday night. I'm going to miss him and my lil puppy!<br /><br />I got all my stuff packed and ready to go last night. Only 5 more hours of work and then I'm hitting the road with my sister to go scrapbook for the weekend!!!! I'm super excited!!!<br /><br />Eating wise was ok yesterday. I don't have my camera cord, so I can't upload pictures. But I think I was a fairly OP day. I didn't eat supper, but did have some M&Ms there were supposed to be going in the rice crispie treats (snack to share for the weekend) that I was making but went in my mouth instead!<br /><br />Oh and I got in a workout yesterday...cardio and weight lifting. My friend from work and I both went to the gym...it's fun having a work out buddy. We both agree that we're good for each other 'cause when one wants to quit the other one is always like..."how about a little longer" or "just one more"!<br /><br />So I hope everyone has a great weekend. I won't be posting again until probably Monday night. Oh and keep your fingers crossed for me. We are driving about 2 hours away to scrapbook....and there is a HUGE winter storm predicted for that area on Sunday...hoping I don't get stranded!!<br /><br />Happy weekend everyone!! (And happy scraping to me!!)

Day 149 (Thursday 4/3)

Hey everyone! Sorry for my lack of post last night. I needed all the time I could get with DH. I am leaving today (Friday) at 2pm and won...

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Some Lines On Grace And Salvation

Wendell Berry's book, Given, is a quiet celebration of grace. Hence, the title. Here are a few lines:<br /><br />"There is a place you can go<br />where you are quiet<br />a place of water and the light<br /><br />on the water. Trees are there,<br />leaves, and the light<br />on leaves moved by air. . . .<br /><br />This is the time you'd like to stay.<br />Not a leaf stirs. There is no sound.<br />the fireflies lift light from the ground.<br />You've shed the vanities of when<br />and how and why for now. . . ."<br /><br />Georgia poet, Judson Mitcham, in his book A Little Salvation, writes:<br /><br /> ". . . some days,<br />the simplest things matter,<br />and you are fascinated by water, there at the faucet,<br /><br />watching it flash and break, amazed at being alive,<br />washing your face."<br /><br />The comment on my post about grace quoted Rowan Williams as saying salvation has to do with the experience of being, feeling, and knowing that you are seen another way, knowing you are wanted. It is essential to be seen, and also to see. Wendell Berry and Judson Mitcham see grace and salvation in "the simplest things."<br /><br />Jesus said, "What do you want me to do for you?" "Master," the blind man answered, "I want to see again."

Some Lines On Grace And Salvation

Wendell Berry's book, Given, is a quiet celebration of grace. Hence, the title. Here are a few lines: "There is a place you can go ...

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Day 148 (Wednesday 4/1)

<p>Happy April Fools Day! It’s 8:30 and I haven’t been pranked yet…keeping my fingers crossed that will last! :)</p><p>I woke up and talked with DH a bit before I hit the gym for a <strong>22 minute run</strong>. The time with DH was worth the short workout! I hadn’t seen him since Monday morning. </p><p>I made my usual breakfast of <strong>oatmeal</strong> with <strong>blueberries</strong> and an <strong>orange</strong> for <strong>3 points</strong>. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSxrLC1tkZmjy5Gi7H-hxqGAFUfTUUz9kJMjh6pvjibIZa63QJNQmGi-0Ssk8JRIfpWyHCKqPimE_3VIWIiRYzklTc60qqmxMevpkblDLF26TJ92__PUfOTzgpm224Fu3X2kZMgkYIjcFg/s1600-h/DSC02208%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="DSC02208" border="0" height="294" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgm5r9uziihXoUjiP0U6R3M3V-XQK73bxbkFj2g8wgM_kh8MQbY6vpDgCMNXkan9F6WtYUbC3liHuIf387_14yp40GFQMLoLMVYzUcpk9FaqrZElk-KJhwohooHcZufrjRI7jsX2y6LEqrV/?imgmax=800" style="BORDER-RIGHT: 0px; BORDER-TOP: 0px; DISPLAY: block; FLOAT: none; MARGIN-LEFT: auto; BORDER-LEFT: 0px; MARGIN-RIGHT: auto; BORDER-BOTTOM: 0px" title="DSC02208" width="386" /></a> </p><p>My morning snack was <strong>strawberry</strong> <strong>yogurt</strong> with <strong>1/4c grape nuts</strong> for <strong>2 points</strong>. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8kiELMf8uWh9dawXsb3dDH7of5WQQTworeO58K1T8BRJPv0cmeptus1IUiYXiIESfWy7upGpq2QEsXTWv4OhxO7rdQeafdmOBGDfWYByS_0kDnqn4TFByqyGi9iclhmxU939fzU-2aaZO/s1600-h/DSC02209%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="DSC02209" border="0" height="294" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_p3oqfB5QliDX-3wbgSKxwTtoM7QkRcVNsdjuDvfLM5qqWyvwSWui53ajRgLUH3Qy5-0G5gOAnjJazYPL_iL9PXOVIbzKvCaCMva93Bouu0C2b6416RU__fnd8d6XcEbeZLkEybwswFB1/?imgmax=800" style="BORDER-RIGHT: 0px; BORDER-TOP: 0px; DISPLAY: block; FLOAT: none; MARGIN-LEFT: auto; BORDER-LEFT: 0px; MARGIN-RIGHT: auto; BORDER-BOTTOM: 0px" title="DSC02209" width="389" /></a> </p><p>I wanted to get something quick for lunch ‘cause I planned on packing up my scrapbooking stuff for a retreat that I am going on this weekend. When my meal got done in the microwave my little sister (the one who goes to college in FL) called and we chatted all through my lunch. It was great to hear from her. We hadn’t had a chance to talk much since I’ve been back in IA. Oh my lunch…as you can see was a <strong>SmartOnes</strong> c<strong>reamy</strong> <strong>rigatoni</strong> <strong>with</strong> <strong>broccoli</strong> and <strong>chicken</strong> for <strong>6 points</strong>. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglgHUMCJnkPvGVhFZ_ORhpnzQnVRG3_E5mMyLnlWkUrhaxGyNGsov9-isXor2ZTuirxEDrcHlGV2jfiBaSRjwGftX8Jb8mOBuOGb7je5F3D-qpU7HtXShyphenhyphen59-2xqVyYlXKyZ5nabbOihm4/s1600-h/DSC02210%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="DSC02210" border="0" height="294" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHaE-2nqMvwxOaBxecc86-CY1c9KDPebQY9bmVgj7naVOD5F1lVgGn0kJt3lNarmNqJ7nR9YiR3EME253UrdxsGlZu-MqAZ7k6KDO8XODyrNpabgCBODDwtHa15Mm27B6WngqS3aohyC0-/?imgmax=800" style="BORDER-RIGHT: 0px; BORDER-TOP: 0px; DISPLAY: block; FLOAT: none; MARGIN-LEFT: auto; BORDER-LEFT: 0px; MARGIN-RIGHT: auto; BORDER-BOTTOM: 0px" title="DSC02210" width="389" /></a> '</p><p>After my lunch I wasn’t hungry but wanted something sweet. So I grabbed a <strong>VitaTop muffin</strong> from the freezer and added some <strong>PB2</strong> for <strong>2 points</strong>. Oh my….this was AWESOME!!!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjV-6TX1oA5EWEAYn68wYc1f8Al1inayyDDAlz9ZW_PnjmuBPWe9dMBDP7E4zla575N2h17bAp9JSoZNiA8oim4-Aka8HrH0eep_pS_mqExvawHCKAeyvmmLHc9siUSOkWG96jyOgqCVwYO/s1600-h/DSC02211%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="DSC02211" border="0" height="294" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiF440gf__LzLGy8F49zp5MetsUE_jM9mo9M5F4woRv0NhG_4vP_KHaMUpTYa9kqmKwK5zI7tPtP1c7aRgFlAqhze87wRxzx09gnCJ3LAkNLU5f_ML4Iwq0Uq0BFynU74BVm4ApZCpU1AGx/?imgmax=800" style="BORDER-RIGHT: 0px; BORDER-TOP: 0px; DISPLAY: block; FLOAT: none; MARGIN-LEFT: auto; BORDER-LEFT: 0px; MARGIN-RIGHT: auto; BORDER-BOTTOM: 0px" title="DSC02211" width="389" /></a> </p><p>After work today I hit the gym again. A friend/co-worker said she was going to do her weigh lifting so I said I would join her since I didn’t get any weights in this morning. And boy did we work our legs!! They are still sore while just sitting here blogging! In total I worked out for <strong>45 minutes</strong>, mostly <strong>leg weights</strong>, but also got an <strong>ab workout</strong> in there too!</p><p>When I got home I headed straight to my craft room to get my scrapbooking stuff together for this weekend. It felt good to be down there again. I haven’t done much crafting for 6+ months and my room was quite a MESS! So I got it all organized and my scrapbook bags packed. Now I just need to pack my clothes, bedding, and eats for the weekend. I really want to stay on track and usually at things like this there are all kinds of non-ww friendly (yummy) snacky foods! So I am going to plan ahead and bring some healthy snacks to have. </p><p>Supper tonight wasn’t necessarily the “healthiest”, but I was craving a hot dog so bad! I picked up some ff ones on our last grocery shopping trip. I was hoping to grill them, but I couldn’t wait for the grill to warm up so I just popped them in the microwave. So overall my supper was <strong>1 c cateloupe</strong>, <strong>1 kiwi</strong>, a few <strong>pickles</strong>, and <strong>two ff hot dogs</strong> for a total of <strong>7 points</strong>. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7bkzddOGWalUI-AjZcrmrgjo7TiFBd7M7b_Y4LWRtDjT6cpHIR28O3Qfyit8uxwmYhE000wP56CiQU5a161xBDcPnEmvSUJLGKShF51teAKsYks538L2MRVKcjmohiajsaFZ_0xMRf26c/s1600-h/DSC02212%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="DSC02212" border="0" height="297" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuMxQRKMqbxAHa3DUsVQPdfWS-69Tc85JdXL8qpy5__eY0qgFVGk1rxg-A7l1fUKSg2dgZBFKa6MMdB4xrTywSILiU4VgeH79RmtJqYysZKXGx2xIvqdKiIuFqNt88FJoddM6NAVCN5JMx/?imgmax=800" style="BORDER-RIGHT: 0px; BORDER-TOP: 0px; DISPLAY: block; FLOAT: none; MARGIN-LEFT: auto; BORDER-LEFT: 0px; MARGIN-RIGHT: auto; BORDER-BOTTOM: 0px" title="DSC02212" width="389" /></a></p><p>Once again I wasn’t still hungry, but I couldn’t wait to have another <strong>VitaTop</strong> with <strong>PB2</strong> (<strong>2 points</strong>). This time I tried the <strong>brownie</strong>. It pretty much seemed like the same consistency of the muffins…but still VERY good! MMMmmmm!!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-k7wAgnbbn6TYDsw8D5yPIDBuigKt8RQJsNRNlDqLdBXltXyL7iUonjYjC3Fm1g3y3jmI6yoTdNSd_YsftZFp1xhQRMsOiu0s0xugs8itysd-z2-C7DqYsDF33zEompIqPIpmAcQuKMGb/s1600-h/DSC02213%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="DSC02213" border="0" height="290" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBqr8tMC58D9mZwNjn06FxaTjGyIRTQ0lPQFt_VpfuX1hIgVmreMGSJEKRRVDNtC40RIKjo_svgW4R70Q0Wfkz40DffnfVc5P5HcYe1Q5bRri4vfIucv3XQq6M0jGQzxX42bTUXEBltVNd/?imgmax=800" style="BORDER-RIGHT: 0px; BORDER-TOP: 0px; DISPLAY: block; FLOAT: none; MARGIN-LEFT: auto; BORDER-LEFT: 0px; MARGIN-RIGHT: auto; BORDER-BOTTOM: 0px" title="DSC02213" width="381" /></a> </p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p>I am headed off to pack my gym bag, get my clothes ready for an interview I have tomorrow, and spend some much needed time with DH! Hope everyone has great rest of their April Fools Day and doesn’t get pranked too bad! 15 minutes later and still no prank…I think I’m in the clear! Phew!</p><p><strong>WEDNESDAY’S STATS</strong></p><p>POINTS =22/23</p><p>WATER = 106 oz</p><p>EXERCISE = 22 min run, 45 min weights & abs</p>

Day 148 (Wednesday 4/1)

Happy April Fools Day! It’s 8:30 and I haven’t been pranked yet…keeping my fingers crossed that will last! :) I woke up and talked with DH a...

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Salvation By Grace (?) Through Faith

I dont' know whether this line of conversation can go anywhere. It may stall out at the first word. The replies I have gotten suggest that, in the ears of my readers, "salvation" means something "abstract, theoretical, and distant" -- maybe having to do with the afterlife -- and that is by and large not relevant or of concern.<br /><br />I just need to note that has not been my experience. I have had times of moral and spiritual lostness in which salvation was a "gracious light" a "homecoming," "a hearth of consolation," a sense of coming back to my true self.<br /><br />A real life metaphor: I was nearly killed by a piece of barbecue chicken not long ago. It went down wrong and I was choking, unable to breathe. A friend at the table did the blessed Heimlich manuever so I am still here. For those moments I could not get my breath, salvation was breath (<em>pneuma</em>, spirit) -- not something distant or theoretical. And I assure you, I have had times of moral and spiritual choking, when life went down wrong, that made me far more desperate for salvation than that piece of chicken.<br /><br />So all that said, what about "grace?" The word comes from the Greek "charis" meaning a gift. Back when I thought salvation was judicial, I thought grace was the merciful spirit that commuted my sentence. It really is that, but if salvation is something larger than forgiveness, then grace has to be larger too.<br /><br />Everything is gift. There is creative grace that means there is something rather than nothing becaue God is generous. There is prevenient grace -- the awarenes of a need for God, the God-shaped hole in the human heart is a grace.<br /><br />So if salvation is something larger than a commuted sentece, something that makes us whole (remember I am not making this up, it's what the word literally means), how is grace involved in that. How does grace grow us into what we were intended to be? How is our very self a grace? How is grace moving in our lives now to form us anew into the likeness of Christ? Into our own unique expression of God as Rahner would put it?

Salvation By Grace (?) Through Faith

I dont' know whether this line of conversation can go anywhere. It may stall out at the first word. The replies I have gotten suggest th...

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Day 147 (Tuesday 3/31)

<p>Happy last day of March everyone!!</p> <p>I hit the gym first this morning and got in <strong>36 minutes</strong> on the <strong>cross ramp</strong> while reading my recent book, “Marley & Me”. It’s a fun read. I want to get it finished soon so DH & I can go rent the movie. You know I think I forgot to tell you guys….I read three books over spring break and started this one! So relaxing!</p> <p>Breakfast this morning was <strong>oatmeal with blueberries</strong> and a <strong>sliced apple</strong> for <strong>3 points</strong>. I forgot to mention my sister told me that frozen blueberries were cheaper than fresh and the warm oatmeal “defrosts” them right away! They don’t have near the “tartness” that fresh ones do…but still pretty good! <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0TCOAj3RqkgOvaBL455HOy3TG9CcjW-Fhe6_K7QBhycaPBBIWxn6j9LPRV9Ff4aSwiOb0T0rl3gxmuRam3G7BlUsM2gDqWLuB4_c4xnr0VbraHjAl633wbWzVRMQvhYz5zEO6wV8MVM3H/s1600-h/DSC02204%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="DSC02204" border="0" height="345" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZ7lq5YihmlzO_bblR7fYLpaCf6p5VMXre-b6ffWIyqhEvqjNLyN8bi8pz2p__cmo3eH9pGFMVaMhhwW6guS85yctStdj6IpJCBGXCg3znta32jvrv_KMeUXklr4SM_xl21tz7DR6w2eGs/?imgmax=800" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-bottom: 0px" title="DSC02204" width="454" /></a> </p> <p><font color="#000000">I wanted to keep lunch light today. Even though it was light “points wise” it was quite filling. I had <strong>1 sliced cucumber w/ff ranch</strong>, <strong>1 kiwi</strong>, and <strong>1 c cantaloupe</strong> for <strong>3 points</strong>. </font><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzvDzMbaNlFzxWZ7Y1DopON5PNgohAYvUUSGIDeLC9vJDmbQcrrsX_-KjaskPaBF3OpI3X27v-85LL95RAv7V6oiwK4g5Itz1un0Yb9FJ5XhNgE-dK-NADK6IvozfbolgLvn-gIBTpDACY/s1600-h/DSC02205%5B4%5D.jpg"><img alt="DSC02205" border="0" height="340" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiy65WeslpGGjfucjZpX9j9b57GrGZ7PdEMtY6wMKYdAPgB6F8No77kT4qjCNsbiC9mwfniiMZTDDcpoW27CbeoDNzfOErLqC5_B132jzqVcblOilGT_8rOTwbZq4KkRvzMmFwOoHENSKp4/?imgmax=800" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-bottom: 0px" title="DSC02205" width="447" /></a></p> <p>So if you read my Monday post…you know that I was all nervous about my weigh in. I hate that I let it get to me so much. Like <a href="http://tippytoediet.com/">Cammy</a> commented “it is what it is”. I want to try to work on this and not let myself stress over it so much. Well I took off work a couple hours early to get in another work out. So I hit the gym and got in a <strong>30 minute run/walk</strong>, <strong>35 minutes</strong> on the <strong>bike</strong>, <strong>15 minute cool down walk @ an incline</strong>, and <strong>10 minutes</strong> of <strong>abs</strong>. I felt SO good when I left the gym and not worried about the wi at all. </p> <p>So headed over to WW, jumped on the scale, and it said 162.4. Obviously a gain from what the WW scale said last week in FL (2lbs). I talked to my leader about it and she pointed out that the wi that I went to in FL was right away in the morning, I didn’t eat anything before it and I got in a 45 min run/walk in beforehand. It is less than my wi two weeks ago and also taking into account TOM should be here tomorrow and I had a few splurges since I’ve been home. So in Cammy’s words…it is what it is and I am ready to face the week ahead! Thanks Cammy!</p> <p>Got home and I was HUNGRY! Only 6 points and all that working out I needed some FUEL! I grabbed a <strong>fiber one bar</strong> for <strong>2 points</strong> while getting my supper ready.  </p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgurbD_iMFuH_9zYpe_vbK1WzzVo-vzMcjMl_pJhw330r7slVMsRv-5d2HjDL4TR6usBKIpMfujrOCsG9GX59c0vaAkJyPYr9MNUlp9Do0GBaq0UfpXPtOf7iSo85JiOEIByu6Fr5PmGhcV/s1600-h/DSC02206%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="DSC02206" border="0" height="338" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWPYxszlwCnfuv81LfSZEZ3VqPLmbnMlTtbq5bxZ9qJ47WV77_NizUchWEq_VBFuM-_NVXxOEaY5Djg18IdX4Uj52M-tMl3ZyPzn3lUJMLNQgU-QD7pceYZOB4bDcYPNDRXxJ_MCl0dtWc/?imgmax=800" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-bottom: 0px" title="DSC02206" width="442" /></a></p> <p>I turned the oven on the minute I walked in the door. It is SUPER cold out here in IA today…and it’s sleeting out. :( So I had some warm comfort carbs for supper! I made a <strong>ham & pineapple english muffin pizzas</strong> and <strong>sweet potato fries</strong> for <strong>9 points</strong>. Wow did this FILL me up!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdpiK6MDXDcmZ7eZ3Jl4CTcNT-bgW1yxzYrpXX3uPYEECa-4DocbfZV_ubvF8q6N2Al7IaOHVsRd4yDN1yQ1BwhAqm3ur1CA69KrsbU9FupV9YUVpzE6A2coejtWm8CNT3FjNKXx8UzxAc/s1600-h/DSC02207%5B4%5D.jpg"><img alt="DSC02207" border="0" height="334" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-EfTulD3CU_rwQ0FCSS8kwcV9DIyPQz7UXerl-2uDRI6SbNkh4CToUyDpXsEw_hD1lZ3JZzYvBMgs_0FGaV3OyasFWs-iSFxHTGjCZ-cnfp9z5zndiZ2eO3AaUMbR1e4z_tEklVaG-vJU/?imgmax=800" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-bottom: 0px" title="DSC02207" width="436" /></a></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p>Now I watching BL…I can’t believe Nicole gained 5lbs!! Wow…will be interesting to see who goes home!! Hope everyone has a great rest of their night…or should I say March! :)</p> <p><strong>TUESDAY’S STATS</strong></p> <p>POINTS =17</p> <p>WATER = 82oz</p> <p>EXERCISE = 36 min cross ramp, 30 min run/walk, 35 min bike, 15 min walk @ incline, 10 min abs</p>

Day 147 (Tuesday 3/31)

Happy last day of March everyone!! I hit the gym first this morning and got in 36 minutes on the cross ramp while reading my recent book...

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Day 146 (Monday 3/31)

<p>Well blogger buddies Monday is behind us and we are well on our way to Friday!</p> <p>Monday morning I got up and hit the gym before work for a 30 minute run. About 4-5 minutes of that was walking and I finally got in a full 5K! Now my goal is to shoot for running a full 5K with no walking. I am pretty sure I can do it!</p> <p>After my workout I had breakfast consisting of <strong>oatmeal w/blueberries</strong> and a <strong>sliced apple</strong> for<strong> 3 points</strong>. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbl6UOiBHQVZA_WywHmz4xJxI-TygT0kQuyLJGRaRULG_iJVw65sranq2IdpnQ9Qc20mobbW3a4l9HASAQ4y2_Qy3I8qicVt1bLjV3nQybE5Kx8j-XpAnL27YlC3AAikDmf3PTauMSTFf-/s1600-h/DSC02200%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="DSC02200" border="0" height="315" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWAxciaOi0eYQxTO3g_97hsIEvHfsQVyiXIpiu-_Mp7XpJ3LOHLwKJu_oKk4IjSNb1Pod0fHL8e9bMg9uZZPOfXxOgC-0ohANOsQRs4sk61gbZQKL3nCnZK0qIL9s1ZOsjQQG3XpDZSv5S/?imgmax=800" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-bottom: 0px" title="DSC02200" width="417" /></a> </p> <p>Around noon I had my morning snack (late I know!) – <strong>ww strawberry yogurt</strong> with <strong>1/4 c grape nuts</strong> for <strong>2 points</strong>. </p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiN90GfdSS5HAgw_HWX4Q4KIs23qs1cX_WlYjFvnK1XF6LYin_Tk70bgD8skvnc6l8OEj7HdlIchWUEI8l-sXkqnP5M-iYZDof1L_WfEO2teDIXTHLHTy8H-70ZpXFUQAtdQ163ReDCzybm/s1600-h/DSC02201%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="DSC02201" border="0" height="310" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAvTK5Srak7jz28QR83qibj4cdnit9wktlJb-Af50CGeUfNqHA79gGWH1w5rP3MAbT90c6KnHKDkh97qUPJbUl8yJeT78AJk8MjZBMMkF2LqYhAz24ZHUHjLAfZ_sU1Xrv0Zqx0sMND_s5/?imgmax=800" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-bottom: 0px" title="DSC02201" width="410" /></a> </p> <p>I took a later lunch on Monday so I was glad that I had my morning snack late too! I made a VERY filling lunch…so filling that I couldn’t eat it all and brought it back to work to munch on throughout the afternoon. I had a <strong>ham, turkey, & cheese wrap</strong>, <strong>1 sliced cucumber w/ff ranch</strong>, <strong>1 c cantaloupe</strong>, and <strong>1/2 c cottage cheese</strong> for <strong>7 points</strong>. </p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7l0gjQajkmVih7y29xNQyHaXEUE6n-MDSJh67Q6QsKxDDNRryuYMZn1eP_kmOq77mlnW6LgVuyt0I6l8NdCNiqPq5UOiOUInImB3lBtbSeQ-tIAa-9NnVAOM_xjownJEn_yvorBRraa4T/s1600-h/DSC02202%5B8%5D.jpg"><img alt="DSC02202" border="0" height="310" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtu6LMHpbREN_RaTYKqMmh1FwI2gQyMkfvrglDMjUEhyxtvmi7i1x4CL9AxYqzrw3wSqVMW-6tdAE7PHyRNM6MGLvx3CSe3OiuTHfWG8TP7Oqy_MbXEAZ3BXqBdiN6EhGOXiCESAuceJlK/?imgmax=800" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-bottom: 0px" title="DSC02202" width="412" /></a></p> <p>After work I was hoping to get my supper in early because I had a home party to go to, but didn’t quite turn out that way. Time got away from me and I planned to run to my friend’s apartment that was hosting the party.  But I think I was ok because of my oh so filling lunch! So around a little before 6 I started out on what I had planned on to be a 2.7 mile run to her place. Well things changed a tad…hold on ‘cause this could be a long story!</p> <p>So I started out and happen to notice that this one car had went by me numerous times in a few different directions. I didn’t think much of it at first and after about mile 1 I took an un-planned turn and took a one way street to see if this car would go that way too. Well they did…and went by almost 7 more times! And yep I said one way….they had to turn around and come back up from behind me. So I decided to stop running, take my head phones off, and called DH while just walking along. Well he was working and wasn’t free. I was hoping that if I was on the phone they would go away. I got a hold of my neighbor and he happened to be out driving close to where I was and insisted on coming to get me. In our 5 minute phone conversation this car drove by at least 4-5 more times before my neighbor got to me. So in the end I was really glad that my neighbor came and got me and took me to my friend’s apartment. I think the car saw me get into my neighbor’s truck and took a screeching turn in the opposite direction!</p> <p>I have never felt like that before while out. But also I usually don’t run in that direction. But still it was a nice residential neighborhood and it was 6 o’clock in the evening, bright and lots of cars driving around. Part of me wonders what would have happened if I would have kept running…if they were just bored and it was a COMPLETE coincidence that they went by so many times or if they were looking for trouble. But I’m glad I didn’t stick around to find out! Wow! That got my heart rate up! But I still got in at least 18 minutes of running/walking. </p> <p>The party was fun. Ordered a diffuser…those things that smell good! And I think I might host a show…it was for PartyLite. And of course my friend hosting the party had snacks. I am going to estimate that I had <strong>6 points</strong> worth of <strong>snacking</strong> while at her place. (jelly beans, snack mix, and a new cheerio cheddar snack mix thing)</p> <p>Another friend brought me home and I quickly fired up the grill for supper, it was after 8pm already! I had a <strong>grilled teriyaki chicken sandwich</strong> with <strong>cheese </strong>and an <strong>orange</strong> for <strong>6 points</strong>. The chicken was good…I’m so ready for summer and grilling season!</p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUujx-RMbNWcNKKoOKFzNu-djyVqIAODYDaIkEcnrCcQ6Qk_7sESZnql-pbJoYBYtxSOVv8GC6xLraWogcSeAt4-Zn-0S635Vn-qRk1tH-rHbiO7l-6o-Yt1Ghk8OSKPWAjMAOwzL3y32C/s1600-h/DSC02203%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="DSC02203" border="0" height="310" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj43wi6cJcuwfokS0OKnwoMb-u8y2ZlrDn1DnMbmvEtkVHUOIwjsmj5Uv9_UsimFmSVSzQjLqOxIs6U5ovteVAa6mEffq5i2sDLCTL3gHw6emP1FzFHnYITZ_5bnSeqC1sPNVAbvOD_KuoH/?imgmax=800" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-bottom: 0px" title="DSC02203" width="412" /></a> </p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p>Now it’s Tuesday and my home scale is WAY up…163! I am so nervous for weigh in tonight. I am going to take off a few hours early of work and get in another work out….I know I will probably gain…but man I don’t want to gain 3 lbs!!!!!!!!!! Shheeesh</p> <p><strong>MONDAY’S STATS</strong></p> <p>POINTS = 24</p> <p>WATER = 126 oz</p> <p>EXERCISE = 30 min run and 18 min run/walk</p>

Day 146 (Monday 3/31)

Well blogger buddies Monday is behind us and we are well on our way to Friday! Monday morning I got up and hit the gym before work for a 3...

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St. Christopher's Boulder City

Yesterday I was commodiously welcomed by St. Christopher's in Boulder City, the small town featured in Phyllis Baker's, How I Got Cultured. They are a growing congregation -- 62 present in reply to the church bell rung by a charming little girl. There were lots, and I mean <em>lots</em>, of children in the congregation. After the Gospel reading, the younger kids recited the Our Father and most of Pslam 23. The older kids then presented a puppet show from 2nd Kings.<br /><br />At our "pot blessing" lunch -- a priest from bygone days changed pot luck to the more theological pot blessing -- we had a friendly feast followed by a forum. The congregation expressed the need for ministry development support from the diocese, especially a program to train and license lay preachers. They also want more cooperative interaction with other parishes.<br /><br />As we met, 5 of St. Christopher's teenagers were at Galilee for a work camp. Note that St. Chhistopher's is one of the farthest parishes from Galilee in the diocese. But they sent five young people to work there. Despite the distance, St. Christopher's was by far the best represented parish in the diocese at Family Camp last summer. These folks are on board with youth and camp ministries.<br /><br /><br />The good people of our church in Boulder City are an inspiration. I am encouraged by the vitality of their ministry, as they increase their aid to the local poor becasue the number of local poor is on the rise in these hard times. This is a church with a warm heart and an open door.<br /><br />After church, I stopped off to buy an Indian ring to replace one I had lost in Kanuga. Boulder City is the best place I have found in Nevada to buy Indian Jewelry. However, if you are just looking for a stone, the place to go is The Rock Shop in Fallon. I did not have a chance to sample the culinary delights of Boulder City, except for the sumptuous repaste at the Church pot blessing. But from prior visits, I know Boulder City is quite the place for pleasing the palatte. My favorite spot is Mel's Diner.

St. Christopher's Boulder City

Yesterday I was commodiously welcomed by St. Christopher's in Boulder City, the small town featured in Phyllis Baker's, How I Got Cu...

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Day 145

<p>What a nice relaxing/productive Sunday I had!</p> <p>I slept in a bit (felt so good!). And then did a bit of organizing in my closet and took another pile of clothes that are too big out. My closet is getting emptier and emptier! But I do have a few new things to add to it that I purchased while in Florida!</p> <p>DH and I picked up some groceries. We hadn’t done so since before I left for Florida so we were in much need of food! And boy did we stock up on produce!! It always feels so good to have the fridge stocked full of fresh veggies and fruits all peeled & sliced ready to go!</p> <p>After cutting everything up I had to have a big plate of fruit! It consisted of <strong>1 kiwi</strong>, <strong>1 c cantaloupe</strong>, <strong>1/2c cottage cheese</strong>, and an <strong>orange</strong> for <strong>5 points</strong>. So yummy!!! DH had to go get some fruit after seeing my plate! <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjC7XbSc2lBq-HV9arjnxUWAhnxuZ2duarortVl6lT2KwEuJ7oNBpop_cCC07AhGpsOEg6CveDqqkJ6IxbJEgGkd_b0hnEak1QFzyFszqJ8jNKu3mCD3-k12G-yt3nCtVk16IBpMvPFI1mJ/s1600-h/DSC021974.jpg"><img alt="DSC02197" border="0" height="304" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbh7jTvmZlvgEKVY9KGopLcZdR2wF-OCyS-KsmceAMQ4DVaaHzz9Uw1ZP2gx7XppLlzlfwckfQvv5dJAM5Xy6E9W8MMsVI5UsLj0KOFyA5M9Wcp7qI1EPy8EUMC2FywBSWpbGa20QNgdZl/?imgmax=800" style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="DSC02197" width="400"></a> </p> <p>I snacked on this while catching up blogs and getting my caught up! I just have to say that I love reading all of your blogs, you all have been a significant part of contributing to my success! All the ideas, inspiration, recipes, etc!! So I guess I just wanted to say <strong>THANK YOU</strong>!!</p> <p>I got so much this afternoon…finished putting away my clothes from the Florida trip, washed the bedding, did 3 loads of other laundry, balanced the checkbook, paid bills, cleaned the kitchen, took out the trash & recycle, cut DH’s hair, and cleaned the bathroom! </p> <p>After all that worked I needed an afternoon snack! So I made a <strong>chocolate pb2</strong> and <strong>banana wrap</strong> for <strong>4 points</strong>. These are SO good…more like desert than a healthy snack!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8bz0pI8lULEGNQZLwc_yLCdquioPTiN-kclIWFvRqwgULJVhWa5OqOUzcjawGDa8lhd08vH8gNNVsJXN3tKZnKYT6PE33jX-3-MFKPDMVAY9DeCwWhSZvwQonprh2xpU7YSNi8R26Czfk/s1600-h/DSC02198%5B5%5D.jpg"><img alt="DSC02198" border="0" height="307" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxp9YiIyBjGp6IGv5qxSU62tot0AxtD6OdZPTW20FlGRTekj58HPDl2tDLU4Ukb9tybfnxZ1aNz1rUmbQ39w8YOdHCJCjLpL4i-WvB6e7dEHKom6g_qbPuajkEd2QQwwgyFl9S7yTB60IV/?imgmax=800" style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="DSC02198" width="400"></a></p> <p> </p> <p>DH said that he needed to make cookies for his employees so together we quickly whipped up a batch of the classic favorite chocolate chip cookies. I couldn’t keep my tongue from a sample though….I think I ate about two-three spoonfuls of cookie dough and two warm cookies……points = NO IDEA!!! I am guessing 4 points per cookie so….maybe like 12-16 points!! Ouch!</p> <p>We had a late supper. I would much rather prefer eating before 7pm…but all those household chores kinda took over and I didn’t realize what time it was! We didn’t eat supper until 8:30pm!! <font color="#000000">It was quick and yummy….I had a <strong>chicken salad sandwich</strong> with <strong>cheese</strong> and <strong>cauliflower and broccoli</strong> with <strong>cheese</strong> for <strong>7 points</strong>.</font><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJMUvpLbRoJjCzHRe1R4PHrTIreTCNkPv3cchIquxo-Gna34KCQy-enjcVRX0r7u4JgP7ey1PdwgRJ_JfNIOAFOJNhU8F8yOP2DQhUXpWo1cJmkmoi6OW4fnYxJ_oSaATlWpbdiL8Aid_F/s1600-h/DSC02199%5B6%5D.jpg"><img alt="DSC02199" border="0" height="310" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAaUxRqzy21u4J1NGh0q1a7cA0gDwm1ApE27oX6mJzpP51uATS_CNi3iBkcPGuMSkO00ViLiCbKjCdbinO_cE8jjE4WlsbhxpHawcRLgJwucvShiWff1Zafy8icUzlS0IfAzRMgnyyN-q3/?imgmax=800" style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="DSC02199" width="400"></a></p> <p><strong>SUNDAY’S STATS</strong></p> <p>POINTS = 32+</p> <p>WATER = 72 oz</p> <p>EXERCISE = none….unless I can count my housework!</p> <p>Well blogger friends…..it is now Monday morning I need to get going to the gym to burn off all those cookies I ate last night! I don’t want to have a gain this week! I don’t understand why I can do so well on vacation and then I get home and it all goes to pot! Uuuuurrrrrrgggghhhh!!! Sorry for that rant….I’m done!</p>

Day 145

What a nice relaxing/productive Sunday I had! I slept in a bit (felt so good!). And then did a bit of organizing in my closet and took anot...

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Days 143-144 (Friday 3/27 & Saturday 3/28)

<p>Happy Weekend everyone! </p><p>And thank you so much for all your sweet comments on my Florida post. I had a great time and I think by looking at the pictures of myself the picture I have of myself in my “mindseye” is starting to change. I don’t see that 200lb person anymore and it really feels good. I don’t think I felt like that until after seeing the pictures, seeing my sisters’ reaction to the changes, and all your wonderful comments! So thank you!</p><p>I have bad news to report…..Friday & Saturday were NOT OP days for me. I started out good with my favorite breakfast of <strong>oatmeal w/blueberries</strong> and an <strong>english muffin w/cream cheese</strong> for <strong>4 points</strong>. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj78vGmqNguZw14dCJla8g9fpKEqTty8OvFPhTZnFPRELMS0Omo-L7MsWFzjvxX7PTm3TNjbkzXt76hKoP8OzzWUsShCUOFts3qVzhsI4erT25nSjGWOYG-w1TehqtRnrFnQ6Ofr7gnQkn-/s1600-h/DSC02192%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="DSC02192" border="0" height="363" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGDgjdlXwgV7AeMPDecPgDlEdEQiEc2-5lJmkBg-oVaqtAhOBwg9WIEg5_W9H-6r8IqJ3g1M7EOt8rag1NTberrN8jNiQFXDl6Gg3xzI75-UYGD761xUi67iCuNrpcZVTeQs__PaUv9899/?imgmax=800" style="BORDER-RIGHT: 0px; BORDER-TOP: 0px; DISPLAY: block; FLOAT: none; MARGIN-LEFT: auto; BORDER-LEFT: 0px; MARGIN-RIGHT: auto; BORDER-BOTTOM: 0px" title="DSC02192" width="478" /></a></p><p>Mid morning my stomach was really starting to bother me. I grabbed a <strong>peanut butter fiber one bar</strong> and <strong>ww chocolate cake</strong> for<strong> 4 points</strong>. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcjUVK2hEjB3oeMHPlsXpjYcHlU7xNg1TFwb3R_Sw6-46t-fPjPtGKxXVm6JeA9XXSU3PF8wYWaqZzvwEI1VHeGihY2DSnzFJDLoi9KEv5yCi2c13hNCbFQPjfJ6l3T09iVWnIn_urhZI7/s1600-h/DSC02193%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="DSC02193" border="0" height="371" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDHu1Uw4hul-Yvfa9rW09L_E3MW9IPfmfLyRO1KAo7eNrcO2u4cBDQQfUhKfozNfDccuZzRc5O26AqGXNIqJu4ZfRqGCQbFC6EdxGOEDu6YGZ3i9R5KDH48AEarqAnT7ZoQYI-sgHsaLzF/?imgmax=800" style="BORDER-RIGHT: 0px; BORDER-TOP: 0px; DISPLAY: block; FLOAT: none; MARGIN-LEFT: auto; BORDER-LEFT: 0px; MARGIN-RIGHT: auto; BORDER-BOTTOM: 0px" title="DSC02193" width="486" /></a> Those foods didn’t really settle the uncomfortable feeling I was having. So I went home and had my favorite “comfort food”. Cereal! I had some <strong>honey nut cheerios</strong> for <strong>6 points</strong>. (again no picture…i’ve got to get back to my routine!)</p><p>I got back to work and seemed to be feeling better and the afternoon flew! On my lunch break I had also packed my gym bag because a friend/co-worker told me she joined the “Y” location that we have on campus and wanted to light together after work! I couldn’t pass us a workout buddy! So I hit the gym after work for an hour of weight lifting and abs. Felt awesome!</p><p>Got home and I was HUNGRY!! Shouldn’t have been though for all the food I ate earlier in the day! So I had a <strong>string cheese</strong> and <strong>Quaker oats mini delights</strong> for <strong>3 points</strong> while I made supper: <strong>whole wheat pasta w/marainara sauce</strong> for <strong>5 points</strong>. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjMgxs7VZzP1fauEJAgNmYl9Anvv2t3qHoQoA8ZNl-cDtPhiB8UNzzxrMSG947-TL_78OB7c-Zrjowfk6WmlzibQybUSpDX5yhhsTiwfvSGq8tEisMC068et93qX55xAfYzp7KE1cwhkoa/s1600-h/DSC02195%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="DSC02195" border="0" height="361" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbGze0NgnXG2lX-4Vzr_EPVkA9ZKUMKJMsadeGZ1eH7pVNqpvI_btDQUpbP84o5iyicYbYPIGHBPx1ipeZ2gPrkL9cKu3sAKst5ezxImDHfOZKXJsly_SKYAXGx5osB5dPAVrGvbav6sO4/?imgmax=800" style="BORDER-RIGHT: 0px; BORDER-TOP: 0px; DISPLAY: block; FLOAT: none; MARGIN-LEFT: auto; BORDER-LEFT: 0px; MARGIN-RIGHT: auto; BORDER-BOTTOM: 0px" title="DSC02195" width="475" /></a></p><p>My desert Friday night was an all time favorite, <strong>1/4 c grape nuts</strong>, <strong>1 c strawberries</strong>, and <strong>lite strawberry yogurt</strong> for <strong>4 points</strong>. A friend pointed out that our local grocery store has off brand lite yogurt that is only 1 point for almost 20 cents cheaper than the ww yogurt. So I tried it out and it was pretty good. But I think it was a lot thicker…it didn’t soften my grape nuts like the ww yogurt does. It was still good though!</p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgA5jCaiHjE4Hsj272xuIX8B8_u3wmx1Cae9HmaUVqtM1iRyz60D8SVzgjMDszR05WTkXGPJ17_Aa4CtgaKYpLpR28ahyEWq-i0ymDVS3y_TQmXmUTSoJSmygDR1wa73-pEdfw_ep60IaTU/s1600-h/DSC02194%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="DSC02194" border="0" height="356" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzlygEP1VCjOeirXvoEn9SbfwUMDne14bF6zKaj4KmEEQwOIXdot-2nuCBoUJZoocH2YQXN66lgR9wZmaxclV4zJDi3JP0UzN7neZ4SLsjzjdVeMTnjStJeGenVd4C-J8fRanaN7bkMQ4n/?imgmax=800" style="BORDER-RIGHT: 0px; BORDER-TOP: 0px; DISPLAY: block; FLOAT: none; MARGIN-LEFT: auto; BORDER-LEFT: 0px; MARGIN-RIGHT: auto; BORDER-BOTTOM: 0px" title="DSC02194" width="471" /></a> </p><p>DH is loving “march madness” right now! So he watched basketball while I lounged on the couch and eventually went to the bedroom and feel asleep before 9pm watching a chick flick re-run on tv! I think I am still catching up from my trip.</p><p><strong>FRIDAY’S STATS</strong></p><p>POINTS = 26/23</p><p>WATER = 72 oz</p><p>EXERCISE = 60 min weight lifting</p><p> </p><p align="center"><strong><span style="font-size:180%;">SATURDAY</span></strong></p><p align="center"><strong><span style="font-size:180%;"></span></strong></p><p align="left">I woke up early Saturday morning and did a little cleaning before heading off to the gym. I started out on the <strong>treadmill</strong> hoping to get in a 5K, but that changed…for some reason I had absolutely NO energy and my side hurt so bad so I ended up only <strong>running</strong> <strong>14 minutes</strong>. After that I <strong>walked</strong> for <strong>19 minutes</strong> at an <strong>incline</strong> while reading my latest book “Marley & Me”. Then I hopped on the <strong>cross ramp</strong> for <strong>20 minutes</strong>, and finished off with <strong>10 minutes</strong> of <strong>abs</strong>. Overall it ended up being a great workout even though it didn’t start out too well. </p><p align="left">Then I headed over to Target. I saw in the ad that they had their running tanks on sale and wanted to check them out. I tried on a few different kinds and didn’t get any. I didn’t think I liked them much. And didn’t want to spend $15 on something that I wouldn’t end up wearing. They were SUPER tight and I would think that they would ride up while you’re running. I might end up trying one this summer…but we’ll see. I ended up just getting a new sports bra (also on sale!) and a new gorilla pod for my camera. </p><p align="left">I headed home and my mom called and said she was in town and wanted to stop over for a chat. So she did. Her husband had some errands to run and she isn’t much of a shopper (unlike my sister’s and I!). I made my “brunch” while we talked. I guess I could almost call it my “afternoon snack” because it was almost 1:30! I made a <strong>blueberry waffle w/sf syrup</strong> and an <strong>orange</strong> for <strong>5 points</strong>. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0RnotZH2N7XYq31TkmSQWjteyy9LGjPuMqSLqg9DDJsY0paa_weDCowYr7A1cFtlxrMKDtJm_9LmWrqwCI7J8I50ykrpppsbUoL3ibo3pWa82qTdrMYVwLH__dJDRadKbkqQbGEhE_4tL/s1600-h/DSC02196%5B4%5D.jpg"><img alt="DSC02196" border="0" height="387" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4-e8rsCKlET4YxoK-m1oMxbKOkO_31XP3_sjUZpzc6OT3WeFOWXXOC5_6CeLOXkSkLYhvKj4FCV8HWl7HRR2-KdvA6XYO-k0viIpiSPWcwO2OKhO8tQhBg_-iyOWiw1gHzi-yKQLN5EJv/?imgmax=800" style="BORDER-RIGHT: 0px; BORDER-TOP: 0px; DISPLAY: block; FLOAT: none; MARGIN-LEFT: auto; BORDER-LEFT: 0px; MARGIN-RIGHT: auto; BORDER-BOTTOM: 0px" title="DSC02196" width="507" /></a> </p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p>I had a wedding to go to in the evening so my mom stayed and chatted with me while I got ready. It was good to see her. She got back from a 2 month “snow bird” trip to South Padre Island, TX while I was in Florida. Good to catch up!</p><p>DH had to work so I met my sister and her hubby for the wedding. I wasn’t very “good”. I had two slices of pork loin w/bbq sauce, au gratin potatoes, dinner roll w/butter, baked beans, macaroni salad, 2 bud lights, 1 pc of wedding cake, peanuts, and a little candy (they had a candy bar with all their favorites!). No clue on the points! I just know that I ate too much!</p><p>DH called me around 7pm and said some friends of ours wanted to meet up a newly re-modeled restaurant/bar in town. So I headed out from the reception, but not before I got in a few dances! Both my sister and I LOVE to dance! She isn’t feeling well and left about the same time I did…if she hadn’t it would have been hard to leave! </p><p>I picked up DH and headed back downtown and was pleasantly surprised by the new look of the place. It was a favorite of ours before and I think we will frequent it now! I ended up having 3 bud lights, onion rings w/ranch, and spinach dip with french bread! Wow….Darci you need to slow down girl!!!</p><p>Oh no that isn’t what I did. After we left there I ate a hankering for some ice cream. So we snuck into DQ for an ice cream cone before they closed. So once again I have no clue on the points. I just know it was WAY too much. So today (Sunday) I hope to stay on track!</p><p>SATURDAY’S STATS</p><p>POINTS = through the roof/23</p><p>WATER = 48 oz (not near enough!)</p><p>EXERCISE = 14 min run, 19 min walk @ incline, 20 min cross ramp, & 10 min abs (exercise was about the only thing I was good about the past two days!)</p><p>I hope everyone is having a GREAT weekend so far! I am off to unpack my suitcase (yes I know I’m behind!). </p><p>Make sure to check out <a href="http://simplyfabulousnow.wordpress.com/2009/03/29/fit-from-within/">Leah's blog "Simply Fabulous"</a> for a great giveaway!</p>

Days 143-144 (Friday 3/27 & Saturday 3/28)

Happy Weekend everyone! And thank you so much for all your sweet comments on my Florida post. I had a great time and I think by looking at t...

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Partial Thoughts On Salvation

I can now post sermons on this blog so I just posted one that addresses the question of "what do we mean by "salvation?" It isn't intended to be a comprehensive answer, just a piece of the puzzle.

Partial Thoughts On Salvation

I can now post sermons on this blog so I just posted one that addresses the question of "what do we mean by "salvation?" It i...

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For Thomas Becket And Oscar Romero

FOR THOMAS BECKET AND OSCAR ROMERO<br /><br />This floor's stones<br /> drank Becket’s blood<br /> as we sip the blood for Christ.<br />Will they cry out in the wilderness<br /> like Jerusalem’s hosanna streets<br /> or Abel’s fatal fertile field?<br />What shall they cry?<br /> For joy or retribution? Make straight<br /> with voice of grief or voice of glory?<br />And if you wear the miter right<br /> will 4 knights join you at vespers<br /> -- death squad with silent feet?<br />And when they come<br /> will you be waiting<br /> with clear eye and steady hand?<br /><br /> -- lines written at Canterbury Cathedral at the spot of Becket's martyrdom<br /> -- recently downloaded The Violence Of Love -- quotations from Romero

For Thomas Becket And Oscar Romero

FOR THOMAS BECKET AND OSCAR ROMERO This floor's stones drank Becket’s blood as we sip the blood for Christ. Will...

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Day 142 (Thursday 3/26)

<p>Hello everyone! I’m back and boy do I miss that warm Florida sunshine! This morning I wore sandals to work and get there and it starts snowing and was only 20 degrees! Oh Darci…you’re not in Florida anymore!</p> <p>I had a great time and will give a recap at the end of this post! WARNING – Long post!</p> <p>I forgot to take a picture of my breakfast Thursday morning…I was out of the groove! But I had <strong>oatmeal</strong> and an <strong>english muffin w/cream cheese</strong> for <strong>4 points</strong>. I didn’t have oatmeal the whole time I was gone and it was great to come home and have it! I love that stuff!</p> <p>My morning flew so fast I didn’t even have a chance to have my morning snack!</p> <p>Lunch was a <strong>ham & turkey wrap</strong> with an <strong>orange</strong> and some <strong>baby dill pickles </strong>for <strong>4 points</strong>.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrh1J3kU8fMN9Z5kW0sapzq9xH5EaQlQF3P-h0dt5I3Uk_En4vedQpQsfQiGGTlspxk6V7fwvNFZURZ6J3IBh2M32V90B7V3HuPItY-jVQTFSbOOVMr-ldp4EjiW9FoRXnQ37g8H1ZMONU/s1600-h/DSC02188%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="DSC02188" border="0" height="316" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAjNswJOjTixDp1JwUzzLzgR_v6gYi51nC_ZmI-Hc1GvH4GsKUf-G45zow-vAWhxnor-xoiBdeXZC1TPcG_3S_U9K_tFwF4PUsHoFBU2nKb1FyAAJwNCAye0R3POSI6hc7zHgFCPCun0fS/?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="DSC02188" width="415"></a> </p> <p>Oh and while I was gone my <strong>VitaTop</strong> order came in! So of course I had to try one of those out. I had the <strong>fudgy peanut butter chip</strong> for <strong>1 point</strong> for desert! Very good!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9f-4WB2rMSzT8Ef_7PnT5h26uziHQkgag914o9AWeJhw8wewL4dcgICxw2-XGeMbbzplOOsSGL8qUhZPx1xbhjYGbvfC23dgdR_FbHSmukmeQbDsg-FaI-BcBG50mHkVEn7xw072shm0Y/s1600-h/DSC02189%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="DSC02189" border="0" height="313" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_WboooUuIzfuyLHbKt3SADwlbVTdW1JgA_fcVNmOISvdUsGnYQjzigjQVYKD8ySy7AMgxMfZqimzcdUNhpQKPLywDYEdojV7w0OZR4mRtQ98D08S_V3tHHq14GqvC8zbiMKyOrGOSlELS/?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="DSC02189" width="411"></a> </p> <p>I had a “date” with my sister last night. She started reading the Twilight books while we were in Florida and wanted to see the movie and so of course I wanted to watch it with her, even though I’ve already seen it! So we got some supper, rented the movie, and snuggled in for a little “Edward”! I had a <strong>Subway ham & turkey sub</strong> and <strong>strawberries w/ 1/4c grape nuts</strong> and <strong>yogurt</strong> for <strong>9 points</strong>. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFw3iAnz7o0i5vrIssSKJIJO2GwLnccICBVZpX-4wO0Xp_fJaAsCf-VD41Gj7kg2DL5Tz270VBBqa_B0XcJumhrze0W5Uo9lpRaREhk4QPoubhwsWWRODQipdDmFWdijoo09DYAd5KOlRE/s1600-h/DSC02190%5B5%5D.jpg"><img alt="DSC02190" border="0" height="318" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLyPNOx3KkXiFncuaO8GPvMcSKe9bvQYxu1HlOVuLPXUdnDviIGrP5RMzn-IO3XFhWNYKet3rCRE2LfJVt7CWxiIBgECqSM3kS3JQEc2ukN0QeYvMdbIwubhzRaD-vT5YzGhN13LQZj2eI/?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="DSC02190" width="414"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsC4cjYKMMaCWRJ4aZH9BOx2fqQqpGwzId9rfa_8y33Ikqc_NPqjDVsI-YZX5mNxdO4-zdUi39CkK_qTlpXuptV9Y6e13RSJ2rQrppf71G2EqH_bXZaIq-bzk9EupuDjFqQ8MjUJD3XQy5/s1600-h/DSC02191%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="DSC02191" border="0" height="315" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhe5mUeRZMBtM_rIpcZJFVh31Vw7RoFrqK2qz9xXw6pu4U2AhJrLb7cne3_fKmOHG2eGw7V7THJkjuw-lJm-oU8UDC0adlXt6UonQGM8qazmTj5zQGbVwtSRMlgj4UlvaTMA8cRJso0hvXQ/?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="DSC02191" width="414"></a> </p> <p>After the movie I grabbed an <strong>ice cream sandwich</strong> for <strong>2 points</strong> to satisfy my sweet tooth and snuggled in with my hubby for while he was watching basketball before bed. It’s so good to be home with him! (forgot to photograph again…sorry!)</p> <p><strong>THURSDAY’S STATS</strong></p> <p>POINTS = 20</p> <p>WATER = 112 oz</p> <p>EXERCISE = none</p> <p>Ok on to the Florida recap! I tried to stay on track while I was there and feel that I was very successful at that. I wrote down everything I ate in my tracker (which I think I left at my Grandpa’s house :( ).</p> <p>I exercised EVERYDAY too! A lot of days it was just a 20-30 minute run, but then we would also go on bike rides, walks to and on the beach, and play tennis. It was so great to see my sisters! I love them SO much! And my Grandpa spoils us like crazy! Gotta love him! Especially since he put up with all us girls in his house for so long!</p> <p>I found a ww meeting down there to go to on Tuesday (my normal ww wi day) and guess what…….lost <strong><span style="font-size: 130%">3.2 lbs</span></strong>!!!! (total of 41.4!!!) And that was all while on vaca!! I was so proud of myself!!I could hardly believe it. But when I looked back over the week I was there it explained why. When we went out I ordered grilled chicken and instead of fries I got steamed veggies. And other times I would split a meal with one of my sisters. And we were also able to cook at my Grandpa’s house, so that helped too. </p> <p>I, of course, did some shopping while I was down there. Got a few more SIZE 10 capris & pants. And also I got a SIZE 8 dress from The Gap!! When I put the size 10 on it was too big and was hesitant to try on the size 8, but I grabbed it just to see and it fit great so of course I had to get it! I ended up getting a total of 4 dresses while in Florida. I’m excited to wear them now and not have to wear my “spanx” aka “magic panties” to suck in all those unsightly chubs. Feels awesome!</p> <p>I got home on Wednesday night and it was SO nice to see my hubby and my lil pup Abby. It always is nice to get away, but that feeling of home when you get back is indescribable! </p> <p>So here are just a few pictures from my time in Florida.</p> <p align="center">Me & my 3 sisters at the beach. It was never really “beach weather” while we were there. Only 70-75 degrees.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_MB7D2gXyH4nQ4wGIDMA8PN3t4_JwSh5oguyS4wj2bCVZL9OmF3uCCQvdQvM5ZT367WR1wXxHK8UiP-lFQU42oHu8a6TmXwD_g7Npvz0ey4EVIvQpQDUxlyoMdgqMaEGc6vXOuUolu01s/s1600-h/DSC021361%5B6%5D.jpg"><img alt="DSC021361" border="0" height="292" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGhQoq_U4qiTTAhQE_Y2GtsPxCqqM80zHaKr5pcr4ULPMyC2QtNV5st9vSrJMs2fXC9kTkSMIf8lmzvss_1vSCqTlcs3XQPz9ksvU6fuihuyyKJWG0gePXxcrzPZ4h9zsWrwRCHrHaIrKg/?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="DSC021361" width="400"></a> </p> <p align="center">Bike riding with my sister (the one from Georgia) – and look we even had helmets on! I don’t have one, borrowed hers, but I am going to buy one for biking this summer. I just need to convince DH to get one too. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZuhvhkVkW0g8YecImupJm4f-qBj44n648U6yuZ-w6MJkVUBPK5X5CiZQ8M2CB3qjjGzjKU6ypMyKflku3azz4L4-iquA-Ikh4zhiZtOtIXCF6KN0ePOk3x80RsXZ7Y4OqryUhDYmp1SvV/s1600-h/DSC02094%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="DSC02094" border="0" height="291" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizPMhEEF5rx9afTgwQdlSr1Abhoj6PZHZK-hk7dj-zhTYu3Mndo2i-u2mJ_LBz1FLWa3iCKgiZtUfHB2YsHxUmIz3eMz2v42D46j-TK1Yvs1F91vDAm1KxIcqhbWs25sSTt5tB90k0fMlJ/?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="DSC02094" width="383"></a></p> <p align="center">This is my tennis pose – I’m really not an avid player, but we had a good time the few times we played while we were in Florida. And then what do I do…forget my rackets at my Grandpa’s house. So now I can’t play till he comes back to Iowa in May…silly me! <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhm5rnEMJMo8XhZt0uDFrw4Dyx83z9tpPrAfKbh6LGsYBaQhGjVhsdTz8WR-gb81bNuLI15RKcaFt1xPf7p_pv7a8TzD7z1wKcbBcdWUU64EoK2cWjV9_D_KSFunJXDkmyhmxVKyijETv8P/s1600-h/DSC02097%5B6%5D.jpg"><img alt="DSC02097" border="0" height="391" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiM5Ux0ZA3xSYugTpbzE1aSbagFhDFChYT9w7zAUTy0fR1K2-rISY6JNaZzWVW3Ry7pz91aeoW9Pb6ELeyh3er-_hP3xcTQqj_Hc3Mtlvq_Zs3Mzq3HTWmUo7HZfBitbc6InhyphenhyphenuXO-2SzhZ/?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="DSC02097" width="297"></a> </p> <p align="center">This is me pointing out that I was doing it the way the “pros” do…I didn’t know they put the spare tennis balls in their pockets! I thought it was funny! (but convenient too!)<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3uI4EQjPlwv_KMlTN4u9BN8DgbwQNO0tvtwIkcoldDX2ss5NG5wHPJXXHrysawiXTTeb8iCf4YvDrb5xGe_4FZB7mczcfQfwJIXHJKGZtgyOtCMgI8H7p5idO7pKPsXYfxEI0-_YpSM95/s1600-h/DSC02098%5B4%5D.jpg"><img alt="DSC02098" border="0" height="297" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjX2HklJ9oFFTx4Gtn-KvMd0YEPf-GPd8gqHoc2RJRhp5Ttd6BofnFiEuCv1l7wcmO63PyhTjFiRO1qNoxTI4crBvVPQ4xE3orN-2Edbqwhpp3FdDtOMYGUNoS71KGYLxWDMNS27CzLv9p1/?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="DSC02098" width="388"></a> </p> <p align="center">This is me with my only little sister. This is the one who goes to college in Florida. We were at Outback celebrating my Grandpa’s 75th birthday!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDVatt71vb9SkeNJ0N8f9dc2GZN84oXuG11smkj1khSa6Ap1vkJCYoD6ls4ORrHnGs-ihjL4ZpeCyL48J3_Qaw4XVlH2htVk3SxAVF6bcTO_gW8UCg4p7p2_S7h6T1uakH3a63Q8XdmAda/s1600-h/DSC02109%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="DSC02109" border="0" height="292" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0LxJkPeDmup00w6SlwmPk9GW_y9EBnRj_cWiPtG24CSQFYp7DLff2R1qSSg-TboCqDVymxpM-6xbxNJg4XYHCeOETGQqrUU0JvO78LY715GYv2teWf6qOcoDz4QFSqO_Pt4pyXoTUus_W/?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="DSC02109" width="384"></a> </p> <p align="center">Us girls with our Grandpa after eating at Outback. (This isn’t the best picture of me & i know my little sister doesn’t like it either, but it’s the only one we got of all 5 of us)<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRmy6ormsPqXJfDilZOXbKM_fQPRQZdt7Oykf4nQpXnkjTpfc0aXNz5Aq0BXjtvAsBZR69hSv40xDng0FDsGWwcAIb7wYV9ZArwsF04zD7h0T3IgYpXGYP-YPvO6ROPQBMHqLqltwzahkI/s1600-h/DSC02113%5B4%5D.jpg"><img alt="DSC02113" border="0" height="306" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFtSRb3T_4d2mqYjUsV8jDzUM8vf3hYTKc8E1VKv5wV5hNtWVoPgk0Rr7oX6TLaRjaq19pgSjm7i1nPdJ3biHi1TbJqiYquvSuU83JU8-ZFupSlk9NgrFeZVpy0blCefbKLNWZzJrN6j2M/?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="DSC02113" width="400"></a> </p> <p align="center">Grandpa’s cake – don’t worry I only had a tiny little sliver and then had ww ice cream with it!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqUezL1gFNEf6XXHYL3Y8iDjBwNP5pF0COE1dnnl0vKFnVMgoHlmyiP11kHykS9nLwXDRJBJPaf7OjM_c28Es3kVVnKlgyHbujzlR9cFmJKOGweRGgoQTB9aT7vHfJ3E4rFGRXItwnxcG8/s1600-h/DSC02114%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="DSC02114" border="0" height="290" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJQKNSfQm621tMSI7cqZwkd09JrjHzC3hqkr0NfETcrPbRz7vErIHYPJOQOBZDJpp1BLn2p261eYrgXeu1W8OU9hO_N1t4t-R_NyzAtLiBaEQu7-8HZw0NE2jrSbndwfJDldHPjJl8IeM6/?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="DSC02114" width="381"></a> </p> <p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDRROAWLD42PkQb27Jw6zIGTyjCnRXNSFta82DJQnV2HxK-rJ2H4kODSpAt0V5FzH_f77p1YucavaNt7zyePU4EtKWVF4pZ2IPIbY0wiHUn8rH-WNAv64Wux4aqCBS7YHIsgbllVCVlIxW/s1600-h/DSC02115%5B4%5D.jpg"><span style="color: #000000">One of the meals we cooked at my Grandpa’s house. Barbeque chicken pizza! My sister knew the recipe by heart and said she got it from ww! It was delicious! I hope to make it soon!</span><img alt="DSC02115" border="0" height="306" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyvNUFdEYOfoT82zqUwDMgnOF58_Vvx_0Lc8ZaTzuerCrEhGMKIrCJJKLB0xY2V4bUFTIn95in9U2MCfondUZDDAQ7VDqYWClsJpHosEOlgLdNjrC-kZCf5zXeB5mux1HCn81XesvIZdy1/?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="DSC02115" width="400"></a> </p> <p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6HZshrfEh8MitTACDEmY5bo05NaPSf8gOeycAdpVdweP9A9K6Ik1SbPkYOKLzQaufDogGJObYClMjp18s-RalBsdXXnxv0Rfe3DSYZU0pfgmttgwXZHAR7WgoqVbuYHYjBbT7hth8068J/s1600-h/DSC02116%5B3%5D.jpg"><span style="color: #000000">My little sister had these fake glasses she wore one night when we went out and so I had to see what I looked like in them…and it made me laugh!</span><img alt="DSC02116" border="0" height="285" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmbc84XMEycQqDqtf1629OoVj0WaEvnx4Q8t47KIWuLWLInchBpsM1lRdNmEMsJ2Bq6UTZIDY9E97sFwaFWnlBNy5kV-GISWqrOhhscXaToHP_DD3lg-7y3PzwnqiKvI_D90dkY-DjIzr6/?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="DSC02116" width="375"></a> </p> <p align="center">And this is her in them…she looks much cuter!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8VIruFgewjGLgfPmvgzuy2fW6wioSD7iSseXXAf5wuj6uKjHM0rM-XlOlmV4Y344_wb2eV8f0fE94gDsSYFL0l7J3o0O3XToviq4bB-ORFgfWXUVCfBmvozbnBDSQgp1eSQZwZKTHOjx_/s1600-h/DSC02117%5B4%5D.jpg"><img alt="DSC02117" border="0" height="288" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcBdlmbwsAA0ZWEoJzcLfGkaj1lSAxiz-KBoywJX_uJxwrHf5citlzInBIEjLRwJoH0Sv9u2APJIBO47iS2XHmgxUVW5-O2pIVyjXYMaIbjMxH4dvNNDnHxtDd5rhf9CdjRECHPtBr07Qq/?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="DSC02117" width="377"></a> </p> <p align="center">Me and my sister that lives close to me in Iowa. She is the oldest of the four of us. We are 9 years apart, but she is one of my very best friends!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhIetAdYkPUxvwlTMflIdDS7JvtEK40S1ZfR0jVRdeeZh-KhZiEiMPYIu67aRGGn0WC_ZWZYPW1CZu-hL2fgFmqZADsoV0UhlY-rP1mqYazdBlnV9gKzQgTTTcTLZ8DVMTQTQ54wev6mAS/s1600-h/DSC02119%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="DSC02119" border="0" height="279" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPOi0fIDtfP0oz5ByJwhtxWZcDnWkNkefTIQqd0_nxKE9AAwT15ONtti7TnxpS9-q_tUjHrAz2_HeU8ocjPj2cEUmn24koqNBoLv8dmZyv_5w2iSCjvdAIHAbQpXjtYijFoPCkUzAZ87NW/?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="DSC02119" width="367"></a> </p> <p align="center">Had to get a picture of us by the palm tree. We always try to get a picture by this one. We’ve done it for years, pri almost 12-15! I just love all the beautiful vegetation in Florida. I wish we could have palm trees in Iowa!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjD0JAkBRznyefjyS8k0rWNar02mBrm1xg8OIi56eK3TtP18MW1dkv9dB3Ju6Jr7gWvvppd10SIc0OpkNKoXu-pHHGpR8mnk436ZmYoY_o8sqTZDIUtMfnnVbonyEAzUBqrHgWPSCpQ_riF/s1600-h/DSC02124%5B4%5D.jpg"><img alt="DSC02124" border="0" height="307" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEia_cnskxA5XQwgLh6aOFqNVbRdoBYB8OAfT4MrDip3Zc_Kj9r9HVBnOAor0BzToN1nW25fX2hcHHU18aGsKiBOWKsFfd2KD80Oc1uPouBcDUl3uFWpNe57bMPusbaNYsCQ1IcBhJMl5-4F/?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="DSC02124" width="400"></a> </p> <p align="center">This is the way to the beach from my Grandpa’s house (less than 1 mile away!). I love how the tress make a tunnel…..so pretty!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSmawdP1zWO25Fs1w0r9PNjUUMGiiwCF76yrwTq-puULr-rvBQi_HX_d0E3BZlkFkUFyVhG1_tmIWEAVGi4FFmHzO-XUhqtcIpGHVUxYVS9G4BoPdAux4GhqRKPtphNzh6ogmntd686mq2/s1600-h/DSC02127%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="DSC02127" border="0" height="304" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBawIvdoBzzQhtoBWspaYKe5VFWBLtpeG1ZzdFVu9vJBkay6qJImq_5pYFlt6bh-r_LtbzZtMN0aQ0-ecvSs4lUWYKrf3u8tgWy_rVXSun0j0JPA_woA4a_CKnZzFK5ZOzz2FuK2nLIobl/?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="DSC02127" width="400"></a></p> <p align="center">Another one of me and all my sisters…using the self timer on my camera! Love it!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBfMmXM10EmdBiyKzPkud32MEnbsmM_Tm0BQRRIRytN02fe3beRtkNvDpDkMR32ZCUMD-VCZ08bf_pqhAf9zBBSCRlam2c781qJAJoQiUOCWCFLlQs27z5CVKONubGE61zuJR6EqsQqyzi/s1600-h/DSC02131%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="DSC02131" border="0" height="285" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhfhLIXd8zWjxObIXY-wLdPGYATMthSlAyudu_KhdGxJMWrDXjw84PDiYt1V5Kf8hcab8DQF0nRS7H2h5x_vbQFs00vlfR9DBn6mgvl-iEy2CCXLORYgUt16It_kQabu7bJ1nCDlOJ1p3Q/?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="DSC02131" width="375"></a> </p> <p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4ZH-k3ZIICKE_UrthyOJd_gWSgj1KupgQGLyBx5WwPUCx5TJA5YZ8fR6J-vp5XGAwvCHTCLnWQwAvOSO6pvKv7jHf2AVJx03w44AuGCkjQilYN1HSLs66bd1C3x9rHNrrOiiQla3TeMba/s1600-h/DSC02133%5B3%5D.jpg"><span style="color: #000000">These are my three ABSOLUTELY favorite girls in the WHOLE world! I don’t know what I would do if I didn’t have 3 such wonderful sisters! They’re so pretty!! I love this picture of them!</span><img alt="DSC02133" border="0" height="304" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWOSbx-fdOZgTpzBNgb6l34lm2gEHglT8Y8pJ3yiZfUJGWubaQLqbs4kr08mCCfsgu3tQm7_Vt6a9g46xLd604s4a-gZUzgwdtZLCQfr0pTr9wWR7TZCYF7urYIjP3-pnPRNqZeUldH_pL/?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="DSC02133" width="400"></a> </p> <p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKcSpbvWKDe9XyYgAVtuoP6abxrHQewxEmixduAWpkR8fOw4Pwlirnhig4qfzOfcjm5BAMhTiqmKBljNRkFn-4I55l9kDQrhbjrT2x4-vdnOE3WFecY8UjUA8bxgWouICmTM6FwfqS-Vod/s1600-h/DSC02157%5B5%5D.jpg"><span style="color: #000000">We like to take “jumping pictures”! My little sister is much better at it….see next picture!</span><img alt="DSC02157" border="0" height="368" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimSt7BNDl8DyBB8bLhV4WgECEmGnjGgfpZBiM_bK9OVWwAoOEIqxNVQg2va0IEwJ9pfNRsa3q_NYK3ny88wdjJ4FbQSP0azC8jDTU8b82anwO2FZj6aOgBM7mrbA2b94hMs_Jc5eIllqj9/?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="DSC02157" width="482"></a></p> <p align="center">Note to self…bring legs up higher and arms not so high! Made me laugh! I told DH that this is my picture showing my excitement that I lost weight on vacation! lol<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj13E2fkzeVTnGwwve-U1RXDdzfb4LVty-TSBNvjHGs6-tzXTp-CkABpSXUdSioY5Owae7yMnhk2Ba3SmMmXCaltzrrXHiuFK0VC6G3OYE6dOkBcD-Jyvu_I_Bk1Poe4vIazdroa8pWw5G4/s1600-h/DSC02161%5B5%5D.jpg"><img alt="DSC02161" border="0" height="368" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhA5Q5ThUn1oUATy1nnub98nIblbKZ-teQ39uehbgCLTC1dgHP2jDbjHg9SJv5kwljS3MLGRVmiN2dRtcsbllCenqBbIIA_9TlkPswv3xwboQeXpos-v-TT0YIOoQP4hh9grqPXDva9xoch/?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="DSC02161" width="482"></a> </p> <p align="center">And last, but not least another one of my favorite pictures! Gotta love sisters!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzd_sXoJ_t2Y7BebmXoZLliNVGJL_yL9QTyvteme-GNmgSAIMm6ZQcWj34_5CLPjJLb8g6oPyO6a6v9K_bOndDyIJ66zh4JXPNznCgcvkhUANxy9Sxd6LwvEB220ZqgZm0mTwBWehF7Lnt/s1600-h/DSC02167%5B6%5D.jpg"><img alt="DSC02167" border="0" height="479" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjq7ZORzDKw8z4q-U9BXpKF1s1Lneuqi5soRqTfgq8DzmlsIerhBrvolhHWSKtpNXq7ZyxQlEaVAJJwFrYfqknH5OgR8bgCTumnRBXdONmGsS6t2jLzCJKqAXByhOJOiR2hi28o1cPdfBqW/?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="DSC02167" width="364"></a> </p> <p>I had a three hour layover in Detroit on the way home and had to go from concourse A to concourse C and do that you have to walk in a tunnel that goes under the tarmac. They have this really neat light show set to music. I was pretty impressed…hadn’t seen anything like it before! Here are a few pictures…but they don’t do it justice!</p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4vmo3a9FODHjV8p764cRLl9IpCvjyoJy37NGP00mJjR2b63-aHfPunoksUmkzIxDaEY_KtP1I-k52igjAPulys2LIInsrir-s2E7xhbnmX7kGyPSznwTtAvwnbrmf0CSmGW8YAS_G3R1E/s1600-h/3005888951_aa31c4038a_b%5B4%5D.jpg"><img alt="3005888951_aa31c4038a_b" border="0" height="305" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_vHEt8TfRj6JqaPG_NVnKQ8a08bCrJ85l-SR9GKCx_UiUusZxm136jbsr2QAMwhp-UXZvg0k5Mkhen0j54dKarqDl0LlPnI84q8cp6tKrlGxVdRCDum-TAPNlVAyD6dFo5y8Wvi4KG79J/?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="3005888951_aa31c4038a_b" width="400"></a> </p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0xSU6LMKvSjrW5OicnbYHqnVmKpG2-XsXdcA86i08Qfszgvxng4y_jxNY87GNcoIma6EmDUZNXWw4GSq1BdKt4zV_92DhR2DDWOGRn29kUnWG2G3vCjV2OdR93JYfqeWZxL8uOmD8NmU6/s1600-h/261026474wogJxH_fs%5B4%5D.jpg"><img alt="261026474wogJxH_fs" border="0" height="274" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUttIxn8Dx6EsmzHNkBVaWZm0XiGa4WZzbq_H4aUezZdBkBVbS97TrKrEMybfQ6F9DdUHSIZkIsLI-sNBHE3p9iW1NJSG9hWYB_W4VIUKYvCYezUXjTir_vgCXw-ZwFsEZyIPIUcJx3k3r/?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="261026474wogJxH_fs" width="400"></a></p>

Day 142 (Thursday 3/26)

Hello everyone! I’m back and boy do I miss that warm Florida sunshine! This morning I wore sandals to work and get there and it starts snowi...

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What's Happening at Old Woman Creek

<strong><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-size:130%;">Canoe Tours and Nature Art Classes on the Calendar at Old Woman Creek </span></span></strong><br /><strong><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-size:130%;">Free Educational Programs Offered April through October</span><br /></span></strong><br />HURON, OH - Ohioans are invited to explore a unique, protected Lake Erie estuary through free educational programs at the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) Division of Wildlife's Old Woman Creek National Estuarine Research Reserve, 2514 Cleveland Road East in Huron.<br /><br />Programs include guided hikes, canoe tours, nature art classes, a seminar on invasive species, and hands-on rain garden and rain barrel workshops, which help protect streams and Lake Erie by dealing with storm-water run off at home.<br /><br />Events are scheduled to begin April 4 and end October 21. For a complete program schedule and details, visit <a href="http://rs6.net/tn.jsp?et=1102526738828&e=001krFBorI-oSkMAaePpbNtgfUakTVhGBOjHdMJogWSaCZNpr14Mw-xHy2VeyI5Tx8Fl9Q6SblrQm50XbEt2P2YR4GPK7CxZOr6-yNqdsn2e1EDhgVGMb-1X6uCmsoRBEsv1Y192vtQCsEA68sCubnNw0L6l9IrHYs6i1ES20KT63u0bWGHVrMf1fyeU_Gwi3BDEYMQyJ9YgINWs_DJJlY2bLsSdwcT_5JuTo4jDtpW44Ror5EUql2VewEsDG8cQ-rigX9Anvqb2-5e0JH9SoOTQomtYfJEhoBu" target="_blank" track="on" linktype="link">oldwomancreek.org</a> and click on "Events."<br /><br />Estuaries such as Old Woman Creek protect Lake Erie by removing pollutants from streams and rivers. Estuaries also benefit coastal communities by buffering against floods and erosion.<br /><br />Serving as nurseries and homes to a wide variety of wildlife, estuaries are important to the environment and economy. Recreational fishing in the Ohio waters of Lake Erie contributes more than $300 million to the state's economy each year. Wildlife watchers spend about one billion dollars annually statewide.<br /><br />The Ohio Department of Natural Resources ensures a balance between wise use and protection of our natural resources for the benefit of all. Visit the ODNR web site at <a href="http://rs6.net/tn.jsp?et=1102526738828&e=001krFBorI-oSkC2FHY0zX35ZlYQsmPHK8nZqpeZyNlNTp98hTKM5vauhJFyXiIiPepn0VDuXC1Y7zFIiXt6XySboxCqY2i_nJ2W0PnFvI8mhk8-ghvl9O-1g==" target="_blank">www.ohiodnr.com</a>.

What's Happening at Old Woman Creek

Canoe Tours and Nature Art Classes on the Calendar at Old Woman Creek Free Educational Programs Offered April through October HURON, OH - Oh...

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Salvation (?) By Grace Through Faith

As Holy Week approaches, it is good to contemplate the core doctrines of our tradition, especially atonement. The three categories linked by the classic formula: salvation by grace through faith are abslutely central. The formula of salvation is complex and rich. I am wondering what to make of each of those terms we say so often their meaning can get rubbed off like the face of coin.<br /><br />What is salvation anyway? I grew up in a church where it was understood as a legal term. It meant essentially the commutation of a justly deserved sentence.<br /><br />In seminary, I learned that the Greek sourse of the word in the NT is actually a medical term. It is closer to cure of an illness, but more than that it signifies wholeness and fulfillment.<br /><br />Throughout all this time there was a joke about a bank advertisment "Jesus saves at 1st National Bank of Tyler." Funny but maybe not that far off base. I've just noticed that the financial metaphor could say something theological. "Jesus saves" could mean he keeps us to himself, reserves us in love, preserves us in love, rather than spending us for some secret cosmic project. That idea repudiates the "God's secret plan" theology that so enraged Ivan Karmazov.<br /><br />Somewhere along the line, I leaned that Richard Hooker (not so far from Calvin on this point) used "salvation" as an umbrella term for three processes: justification, sanctification, and union. And that the normative spiritual course was understood in the Middle Ages as purgation, illumination, union.<br /><br />Within all that abstraction runs personal memory. I remember being in despair and having that despair cut through by the prayer, "Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ for we have been born a new to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead." But I know salvation is more than that. It isn't just a lifting of my individual spirit. It is not for those who have the right experience. It is, as Paul said, the redemption of the cosmos.<br /><br />So what does "salvation mean to you" this Year of Our Lord 2009 as Holy Week draws near?

Salvation (?) By Grace Through Faith

As Holy Week approaches, it is good to contemplate the core doctrines of our tradition, especially atonement. The three categories linked by...

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The Hour I First Believed and John Updike

This is a sequel to my earlier post about Wally Lamb's novel, The Hour I First Believed. Lamb has been called the Dostoevsky of our day, no doubt because he confronts the problem of evil with the relentless integrity of an Ivan Karamazov. But now that I have finished this fine book, and shed a few tears over it I admit, I'd say he is more of an Evelyn Waugh or Graham Greene in his develoment of plot and character. There is no simplistic conversion of creed, but a deeper transformation of soul. Caelum is not a hero. He is as flawed as any of us, maybe more so. Maureen's sanctity and his own confrontation with generations of woundedness make this story a masterful recounting of spiritual journey. At first I had trouble connecting the deliberately simple prose and the pipe wrench wielding plot developments with the subtlety of spirit moving beneath the text. But then there is the Gospel of Mark, written crudely but a story of grace. I loved it!!! And I look forward now to his earlier books, particularly This Much I Know Is True.<br /><br />But first I am reading John Updike's In The Beauty Of The Lillies. Updike is <strong>the</strong> 20th Century Protestant novelist. He was prolific and I have read only a few of his books. Lillies is the most explicitly theological. After his recent death, there was a flood of articles evaluating his work. In contrast to Lamb, Updike wrote poetically. His prose is elegant. Someone criticized his work for losing theme in style; they asked, "Is beauty enough?" Well, the idea that Updike lacked substance is just rediculous. But I am chiefly struck by that question: Is beauty enough? I would answer with a resounding Yes. We have too long held to an idea of God that failed to appeciate the beauty of divinity and the divinity of beauty. Thankfully, theological aesthetics has been rediscovered. Beauty is enough. More on the Beauty of the Lillies to come.

The Hour I First Believed and John Updike

This is a sequel to my earlier post about Wally Lamb's novel, The Hour I First Believed. Lamb has been called the Dostoevsky of our day,...

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Day 133 (Tuesday 3/17)

Hey everyone!!<br /><br />I don't have hardly anytime! But wanted to get one more post in before I leave in 12 minutes!!! :)<br /><br />Tuesday was an OP day for me. I lost 2.2 at WW wi, so for WW I have lost a total of 38.2! Felt great! I didn't workout. Shut the stinkin' alarm off without knowing it again...I need to break that habit!<br /><br />Now it's Wednesday I am just wrapping things up at my office and gonna head to the airport. I hope everyone has a GREAT week! And I'll "see" you next Thursday when I get back!<br /><br />Adios...I'm off for some fun in the sun with my sisters!!

Day 133 (Tuesday 3/17)

Hey everyone!! I don't have hardly anytime! But wanted to get one more post in before I leave in 12 minutes!!! :) Tuesday was an OP day ...

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Day 132 (Monday 3/16)

<p>I’m so close to Florida I can almost feel it! And this nice weather we are having here in Iowa is a great preview of what I hope to experience the week I am in Florida! Look at what my car temp said around 5pm yesterday:</p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIp5Q1j1JGmXqg6-_WXKS2eF3MtaTDBxs9tBxGhANFtl_A5bCptRaY3JmTtFzqyUsjGhjmxnhNcqA4T4xsyvYsrNQYa6nTUXM-UK-9qdWxh-6Q9-lc-LMj-jhRmq-WGhKVtzXFzjqONJf0/s1600-h/DSC020835.jpg"><img alt="DSC02083" border="0" height="345" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9hRfpRH0DOjVfinNIsaJrj4VQ_QXECr97iVczbIM4lumoxx76dnr10pR1k_fXbjayv9PsI0Vj2MMbkyMLZCP2J1AU9b_QyykF7OrkKXXuQcgeQibOtBDPwR7KXageLt-05Y79YiBG9_MH/?imgmax=800" style="border-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="DSC02083" width="451" /></a> </p> <p>Yep 71 degrees!! It was a great!</p> <p>I hit the gym before work for a <strong>32 minute run</strong>. While I was running I was wondering how in the world I am going to make it outside in the Florida heat! We’ll see how it goes! I hope to get in some form of exercise each day when I’m gone!</p> <p>Spring break has already started for students on campus so it was really quite at work today…which was nice!</p> <p>For breakfast I had <strong>oatmeal</strong> with <strong>blueberries</strong> and a <strong>sliced apple</strong> for <strong>3 points</strong>. Looks like I waited too long to eat/photograph my apple…it was starting to turn brown! But don’t worry I ate it anyway! :)</p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjcd6-_cBn-p9YwqQj1oZaefWLrTl7TsNu-dvnxEldGKXxhV_pdSfIVvplRzxaxrq5lEX0SlJQIbcTd8EjadDRFbXaIndHF887OGyiAKWFcitTjc6fmHcZjUMBt5nhzbAGk3AVRFXJAtP7/s1600-h/DSC020783.jpg"><img alt="DSC02078" border="0" height="342" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-yiUIZCDv_z0pln18GXtTxqUAdruRYfJtQbd5SY3t3duXLVQqOUghcqbQnbqYJfxVyFkazyOj4ttzqPm026i79HC8RJtV81nGsWGIoGl-pNyOPIxliMn0Hrqq9fqq7_5HW1NKPl4geE-k/?imgmax=800" style="border-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="DSC02078" width="450" /></a></p> <p>Late morning I had a<strong> WW yogurt</strong> with <strong>1/4 grape nuts</strong> for <strong>2 points</strong>. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgq_XVfEe_3ImdxxlclIqpdXCwcxH2I-rVjFMI_5aGXtXyeixpZw6pfZfrTnnWyGpeHM-Pvm1ggPIH8YOfA_Q5d2k9jrEV73OFNRqz_V0pWqzr5CmhOpPi5REuivfV1seuvER5BB7naor06/s1600-h/DSC020794.jpg"><img alt="DSC02079" border="0" height="339" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinVqZn6KzDHFdNkqfUSnScRUam4tEltetMhWmuYiqrXhojU4WYE_7ClCVE6RzpaAEleJ5ZTemLZS_rGuHpbz75TvIHnvQuSghhm7IM4ZNIE9ycVGYsJdy4zyT4fGG7cYSE5vO29Bv1GLEa/?imgmax=800" style="border-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="DSC02079" width="444" /></a></p> <p>Lunch today was great! On Friday I bought “Flat Out” wraps because they are over $2 cheaper than the wraps I was buying before and you get 2 more in the package. So I was excited to try it out today and they are very good. So I had a <strong>ham turkey & cheese wrap</strong>, <strong>1/2 c cottage cheese</strong>, and a <strong>sliced banana</strong> for <strong>7 points</strong>. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglxS3Roo8i8LK49-aygVeeJUj6-g_VS1-cgx5N1N0wC8X9eD3OvOVe5nR_F6Vqf5hwGmOHpyFE5t7OSCvLsd_-CtHqZwV1EqDVASGmLmv2KYcSeEVxMtWARpRuUBh4OrO9kLuWagSf5TyU/s1600-h/DSC020814.jpg"><img alt="DSC02081" border="0" height="336" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrlkL_lhLECzT7xxQAna9hAGRcmLIPyKn1VV0INsv6agnT_p2CXMyk2X0fwrMR3HEQIq_174GPxc1u2v82biCe-D2HkLWafdH7tLFQ8hIYpBwlH1KHTS5BVU3ElR4Vvce8tXs2i-S_dMe_/?imgmax=800" style="border-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="DSC02081" width="440" /></a></p> <p><a href="http://happytexans.blogspot.com/">Kelly</a> had asked what kind of tortillas I used so I had to take a picture of the package because to be honest I had no idea! They are the whole wheat Lo Tortilla Factory tortillas. They come out to only one point. But I think I am officially converted to flat outs now that I found them…more bang for your buck!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiT5pjEeCtzKiVwx-XN0WW68nRq6NXaU99B-8csx4h8BL6MY0gaRnKL4Ws3-2KWzBC8pF0pwFXXHL5Ck89a2NI2ImjyXZIvtIs7xviTVrvLbiGEEKS-Gc0UL_Spx6hro6mTn1U9MVsHJnqk/s1600-h/DSC020803.jpg"><img alt="DSC02080" border="0" height="331" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEHWzeJKSuiuuv1N3KJ767seeQOBI4g3AS07kXSjvzm1GpljkTgqgub2Hbevf7vmUkNbwp62Iwrc609NZ9MU2Wi2fOgaHTkp8iB1Tgvh1pesZKgdgtht-0cYwafeK0iL_GNrAZpt5rh4DO/?imgmax=800" style="border-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="DSC02080" width="436" /></a> </p> <p>After work I rushed over to my favorite nail place to get a fill and a pedicure. It always feels so good to get pampered!! I love all the stuff to they do your feet to make them feel so nice and soft! I’ve been addicted to pedicures since I got my first one for my wedding almost 4 years ago! :)</p> <p>When I got home I was starving and supper wasn’t going to be ready for over a half an hour. So I tried one of the <strong>protein bars</strong> I purchased last week. It was just ok. If they go on sale I might try them again. But nothing to toot my horn about! This one was <strong>3 points.</strong> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2stRzwqRvihpTtIEjZav25Al0_K0tCXA_9NKXiqPNq71mJOpv-GbX1rb1TFs1nFtDol3l6TZFs2oPD6-oWOeD6bidQ3f9WUJDpZV9-01i8jTOYDUHBnijLFVwWblIpyYqVaGS5fKO4KE8/s1600-h/DSC020843.jpg"><img alt="DSC02084" border="0" height="331" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhI6dmkkFx_9geIT3NMyhA6visVkkVZl-94LuywAzjFnkBpxOVSV4UQJw67IF06pY6A9_V58E4EXEbQDn3zOBRrX5i2NXm2T7WrLY5UTrFETG-t4DQYGib1S7CdGr56Fe9PI3KPr7jVcC1N/?imgmax=800" style="border-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="DSC02084" width="435" /></a> </p> <p>Supper tonight was an easy favorite. <a href="http://weightloss-stories.blogspot.com/2009/02/day-112-monday-223_24.html"><strong>Creamy ham & potato bake</strong></a> for <strong>5 points</strong>. You can click on the link if you would like the recipe. It is really easy and very yummy! And you get a lot for only 4 points!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgH_8G9dSlUibk0-f4Q0Kk9B_wUFKklmv9TAl2OpEyIFxRpvWGyTanTeAy5ItBebLSqdQjb5DiUZojF4bx9RzOlweXeVkaNobltd5xOvQFiGqwIdR6QT24Wdt-yNzurBW3O0DMdn1gdXbwb/s1600-h/DSC020854.jpg"><img alt="DSC02085" border="0" height="332" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyTfN_PgZCtG-L4JAuwheitazE6a0LdZFmLZW0-ywoDGE3nZmQEJGlRGRvZrdB6e-DWH_X3J_3n4G5BSS3BMLNi6AtpkpIMMDDKKM4-eItgrtwaV02Os5LCyKbkUzpBAz9vywcr8XU3oO2/?imgmax=800" style="border-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="DSC02085" width="434" /></a></p> <p> </p> <p><a href="http://karitakingbackcontrol.blogspot.com/">Kari</a> had a question for me that I keep forgetting to answer:</p> <dd> <p><em>“Just out of curiosity because I look at your food pics every day and I just started wondering....do you and the husband eat dinners together? Does he eat what you eat?”</em></p> </dd><dd> <p> <br />There really isn’t a simple answer for this question. It really varies for us. My husband runs a fast food restaurant so his hours are quite odd. So if he isn’t going to be home for supper I usually just make something quick for myself. But if he is home we usually eat together. But he doesn’t always eat what I eat. He isn’t a big fan of wraps, broccoli, cauliflower….so I will make some other kind of variation for him. I know this is a challenge for a lot of people…trying to cook healthy and something everyone likes. Especially if you have kids. That is why I like to find recipes like I made tonight that we both like and is ww friendly. Hope that answers your question Kari!</p> <p>For desert tonight I grabbed my new favorite ice cream treat, a s<strong>kinny cow strawberry shortcake ice cream sandwich</strong> for <strong>2 points</strong>. Mmmm!!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiqa9x2bncuk0icGpIlPNnk3mnZp1GlIgES0P1hHcSkaHPXZZhhktO8jPKdPO3e8OqzqZuPKL0QaBsL0FmbuMSdjSDbWruTkK70df1ygVFN3Adbdj7bIeh5F4EFMAFzfmF1jXPYzADiHre/s1600-h/DSC020877.jpg"><img alt="DSC02087" border="0" height="339" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4C1tnxSk-vRHYsQnyO8ZT2qUoOYkLRA-RM2ZLbgHCGBLt46dKYI9gNVB02aW0Ao-F4kIitpKSstfFsAzucVCXTLSJfCBoONBy5swOPq24L4BNwRTIBzYtZLFD5dC13h6kCI1-qwFFC_nb/?imgmax=800" style="border-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="DSC02087" width="437" /></a></p> <p>Well everyone I am down to just one day of work left…1/2 of today (Tuesday) & 1/2 of tomorrow! And then I’m on my way to sunny Florida! Can’t wait to have the fab 4 sisters reunited and see my Grandpa. Oh and I probably won’t be able to blog while I’m gone. My Grandpa doesn’t have an internet connection. So I will have just one more post.</p> </dd> <p><strong>MONDAY’S STATS</strong></p> <p>POINTS = 22/23</p> <p>WATER = 116 oz</p> <p>EXERCISE = 32 min run</p>

Day 132 (Monday 3/16)

I’m so close to Florida I can almost feel it! And this nice weather we are having here in Iowa is a great preview of what I hope to experien...

Read more »